Janmastmi is a Hindu festival celebrating the appearance of Krishna. It is also known as Krishna Jayanti and is celebrated between the months of August and September. This celebration is an annual event, and is likened to Christmas and New year day for Krishna devotees.
It is celebrated with great splendour, rows of lights are lit everywhere; religious songs known as ‘Bhajans’ are sung; sermons are delivered and Krishna is worshipped in an infant form.
The day before the ritual, the devotees fast for the whole day. This fasting marks the beginning of the ritual. The fast is followed by a nightlong vigil commemorating the appearance of Krishna. At midnight the deity of the infant Krishna is bathed using milk, honey and water.
This ceremony is known as Abhishek or the bath of Lord Krishna. Milk is used as a very auspicious substance because cows are considered sacred animals and are referred to as Gaumatha or mother cow. The devotees are allowed to observe the performance of this ceremony, which is carried out by the religious leaders. The idol of the deity is then placed in a cradle and worshipped.
Jai Shree Krishna!! Written by Sheetal Chudasama